Growing with gratitude for life's challenges
“Isolation is seldom listed as a symptom of chronic disease, but it certainly is a component. The need for human interaction is very real, in fact, psychologically, I would say it is essential. Making a conscientious effort to reach out to others, balancing social activity with limited energy, and valuing myself enough to keep the […]
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I was a ‘bad’ student. I caused trouble for teachers, skipped many classes, and still passed high school with honours. I was an enigma, our Vice Principal said. He didn’t know what to do with me, and ended up inviting me to leave. He was always respectful. That young woman joined me, many years later, […]
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When health takes a hit, the road ahead becomes littered with unknowns. After months of waiting, I finally got in to see a neurologist. Actually, the call came on the very day I was about to tell my doctor to cancel the referral. For ten years I have lived with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Diagnosed, that is. […]
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Two photos from our recent gathering honouring the Ukrainian poet T.G. Shevchenko (1814-1861). Schevchenko who knew imprisonment at the hands of the Russians, wrote about his love of country, the resilience of his nation, and the oppression of Russia. His publications have been banned by Tsars. He remains a symbol of hope and peace for […]
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You can’t tell from the photograph, but one woman’s cousin has been missing for 20 days. He is in the military, and all they know is 22 from his regiment are dead. Another’s brother just turned 16. She wants to bring him to Canada before the war makes a statistic out of him, but their […]
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I wasn’t taught about boundaries as a child, in fact, I was encouraged not to have any. No one said so, specifically, but in the drive to please, I came to this interpretation. Walls, however, grew organically. I remember many a time, curled up on my childhood bed, raging and in tears, repeating over and over: ”I need nothing; […]
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Cast my shadow over white banks/ assert presence: proud, defiant Will find beauty in deserted places / and colour in the monochrome Haunted by a winter state of mind / resolved to stretch despite chill. For Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: illustrate a favourite quote or poem. Of course, I chose a poem of my own: Seasonal Defiance, originally published […]
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Outside of the city limits, where trees claim honour as the tallest structures, the sky is always dramatic. No matter my mood, the dramatic contrast of a red cardinal against a tangle of branches always makes me catch my breath. So beautiful. The eldest granddaughter, intent on photo bombing my family shots, helped create this dramatic […]
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Wind’s tongue ice-tippedrock resists and pine trees bow –Winter warmed by ink (Haiku inspired by Seasons Words: Springwater holds warmth.) When sitting up to paint is not an option, I appease my creative urge with ink and paper. Starting with a single line, I let the image appear on the page. This one reminds me of a […]
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The discussion was light, or so I thought. Until I mentioned that one thing that ignites his rage. Doesn’t matter what it is, does it? We all have it – that tender spot of unresolved emotion. There was no more talking to him, so I moved on; finishing a task I had previously started. But now my anger flared. He […]
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